Why World Read Aloud Day Matters More Than Ever

The culture of reading is one that continues through time. Ever since childhood, bedtime stories have been most of humanity’s first introduction to reading. The process of a parent reading aloud to the children seems like a simple gesture, but it means the world. For instance, it could be the start of a lifetime of adequate reading for the child.

Reading is an important attribute for one to have, especially in a world where doomscrolling is the order of the day. Thanks to all the distractions now in the world, reading aloud has almost lost its magic.

To preserve the tradition of reading aloud, the World Read Aloud Day on February 4th is bringing much-needed attention to the threatened art. Literacy is a social performance, and the initiative started by LitWorld in 2010 aims to further deepen the ancient art of telling stories and preserving history through word of mouth.

The Birth of a Global Echo

The World Read Aloud Day isn’t just about celebrating books; it’s a call to ensure that more people attain literacy as a human right. It’s no rumor that millions of people in the world lack the basic resources they need to read, and they have no escape. But by shining light on the need to read, more people will be able to grab a book and read to an audience, it doesn’t matter if it’s in a classroom or reading to their sibling. 

Doing this will also enhance the vocabulary of people. In fact, more people could develop confidence to speak to larger crowds than they can initially afford to. Since the day began, its wings have spread to over 170 countries, and this is simply telling of the fact that there’s an immense need for stories to be told.

The Science of the Shared Voice

When someone reads to us, we feel a deep sense of calm, which is why lullabies are largely successful. When someone is being read to, their brain is being engaged in a way that silent reading doesn’t. 

For starters, there’s a heightened sense of empathy in the listener as they process cues in the reader’s voice. This slow media is the perfect substitute for the brain rot that is the side effect of the snappy, short forms of media prevalent in today’s world. It requires the reader and the listener to be present in the same moment, sharing the same breath and the same rhythm. Reading aloud helps both parties go from a mere exchange of information to true understanding.

Breaking the Silence of Illiteracy

The World Read Aloud Day isn’t just another day to mark on the calendar; it’s one that sheds light on the global literacy crisis of the world. When people read aloud, it’s an expression of solidarity with those who cannot. Also, the day is a platform for authors, students, and celebrities to use their voices to demand better education and libraries. 

The beauty of the event is its low barrier to entry, as one doesn’t need to have plenty of books or a giant library to enjoy the day. Just one reader and one listener, and the day is underway. 

Celebrating in a Connected World

Before the advent of the internet, reading aloud to others had to be done in person. However, with the myriad of digital infrastructures we have now, read-alouds can be done online, helping people in remote areas connect. Also, inventions like hashtags make it easy for people to follow along with global reading events. 

How to Get Involved

There are numerous ways to participate in The World Read Aloud Days. One can use video calls to read a favorite childhood chapter to a relative who lives far away. In the same vein, book clubs could organize a story swap at local cafes for people to read their favorite poems or short passages. Audiobooks are also great read-aloud inventions that more people should pay attention to.

At its core, reading aloud in any form is a simple yet powerful way to connect, share stories, and keep the love of reading alive.